spatchcock chicken

[samuel23]

Just what is a 'spatchcock' chicken? I saw one in Sainsbury's and couldn't decide if it refered to the style of it (i.e. the way it was prepared) or the breed.

[Buenchico]

"Spatchcock: Fowl killed and then plucked, dressed, split open, and cooked immediately".

Source: Concise Oxford Dictionary.

Chris

[scatty mare]

Bit of a contradiction in terms since it's been on the shelf for 3 days. I think they're just regular poussin split, skewered and maybe sprinkled with a few herbs.

[tictactoe]

The word spatchcock comes from the dish - a happy rooster one minute and a rather flat-looking grilled chicken the next - all done with great despatch. This simple recipe was a favourite with army officers sent to India by sea, which used to entail several weeks' long voyage. Coops of chickens were kept on board and were a great treat for the bored passengers when despatched and cooked this way.

'Indian mode and sea fashion' adds the Victorian colonel's wife from whose cookbook this particular recipe comes.

Taken from "British Cooking"

Chicken is split through the back with a large sharp knife, close to the backbone and beaten flat with a steak beater. Seasoned with salt and pepper, rubbed both sides with butter, then sprinkled lightly with curry powder. Grilled.

n00dles xxx